Elephant suffered life of abuse before an animal rescue charity in India set him free
A 50-year-old elephant has been freed by Wildlife SOS after spending his entire life in chains.
Not much is known about Raju's early years, but Wildlife SOS believe he was poached from the forest as a young calf. He was subjected to daily abuse and was repeatedly sold by his cruel owners before being rescued in July.
The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department informed Wildlife SOS about Raju’s plight last year. It took many months to get the necessary paperwork and permits, which included a court order to initiate steps to rescue and rehabilitate.
Once the court order was secured, Wildlife SOS deployed a rescue team from the Elephant Conservation and Care Center in Mathura (ECCC). The ECCC is India’s first and only chain-free elephant care centre, where modern management techniques, such as protected contact and positive reinforcement, are used.
Dr.Yaduraj, the veterinary surgeon who led the rescue operation, said: “We were determined to save Raju’s life. There were many unforeseen obstacles because of which there were delays and we had to tread carefully. It was a complicated rescue operation. I am very glad that we were able to successfully rescue Raju. He requires a lot of extensive vet care and it will take a long time to restore his health”
Raju is now celebrating his new found freedom at the care centre. He was welcomed by seven other elephants and, after a drink of fresh cool water, was given a buffet spread of mangoes, bananas and biscuits.
Dr Yaduraj said: “The next six months with Raju will be very challenging due to his past history of cruelty that was inflicted on him. We are confident that he will soon recover and have a healthy and happy life ahead – something that he deserved a long time ago!”
To make a donation towards the care of Raju, visit www.wildlifesos.org/donate.
Image courtesy of wildlifesos.org
